Alan Shearer has given his thoughts on Dan Burn keeping his spot at left-back in Newcastle United’s team despite come under a lot of criticism lately.
It’s been a tough time for Burn who has been ridiculed by parts of the fanbase for his defending against Luton and Nottingham Forest which ultimately led to goals for the opposition.
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle, Shearer claimed that he understood why Eddie Howe was opting to keep Burn in the team but that he also gets why there are calls for Tino Livramento to replace him.
Shearer says he ‘understands’ why Burn starts for Newcastle
Howe has never been one to make radical changes to his team even if things aren’t going his way and he’s opted to keep Burn in the firing line to prove himself despite so many calls for him to be replaced.
The 31-year-old has struggled to keep up with the pace of players like Anthony Elanga and Chiedozie Ogbene who both very recently were able to exploit Burn’s speed to gain an advantage and create or score a goal.
Against Luton the left-back had fouled Ogbene when he had sprinted past him resulting in a penalty and against Forest he had allowed Elanga to beat him despite having a few yards on him when the ball was played into his path, leading to an equalising goal.
Fans weren’t overly thrilled to see Burn’s name back in the starting 11 when the team’s were announced on Saturday, but Shearer says he gets why Howe has kept faith in the former Brighton man.
On Burn, Shearer said: “I get the criticism I understand it. I understand the push for Livramento to play at left-back.
“But I also understand what Eddie Howe is and who he is and he appreciates what’s been done for him in the past. I get why he keeps playing him.
“It was a big result for everyone [against Forest] because there would have been more pressure put on the discussion on Dan Burn if they hadn’t won, but because they did hopefully that will die down.”
Howe continuing to show faith in Burn
Realistically it’s unlikely that Howe will throw Livramento into the starting 11 ahead of Burn barring an injury or suspension that keeps the £13m player out of the team.
Howe has always been measured and calm in his decision making and he will want to avoid creating a potential problem within the changing room, though he may be doing that by not making any changes anyway.
That’s one thing people have often criticised the 46-year-old for, a lack of ruthlessness, and while it has worked for him so far, it’s something he will have to be eventually to get to the very top.
While Shearer does suggest he understand why Howe is doing it, it’s obvious he knows that Livramento also deserves a chance to show why he should be in that team and what he can bring that Burn can’t.
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